New life for old devices

A new drive to help South African pupils cross the digital divide has been launched by nongovernmental educational organisation ORT South Africa, which is urging the public to donate devices that are no longer being used.

“Lack of infrastructure and connectivity along with lack of resources, including devices like smart phones, tablets or laptops, is widening the gap between privileged and less privileged communities,” said ORT chief executive Ariellah Rosenberg.

“The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown highlighted the fact that South Africa is far from ready for online learning, especially for township and rural schools. It is estimated that just 10% of South African households have direct access to the internet.”

Arthur Goldstuck, founder of World Wide Worx and a veteran analyst of connectivity in SA, noted the lockdown period highlighted the need for connectivity for all.

Goldstuck was named ORT SA’s honorary IT ambassador in 2019.

“Almost 4 000 teachers and pupils have attended ORT SA coding clubs and we must, by all means, try to continue these clubs through remote, online learning,” said Rosenberg.

“More than 1 000 youth are in ORT skills development programmes and some learning digital skills such IT bridging courses. Our mission is to help make people employable, at the same time as creating employment opportunities.”

According to ORT SA, there is a pressing need to help those in townships and rural areas to connect to the internet in fields ranging from mathematics, to coding to IT skills, to work experience.

“This is critical to the future of our country,” said Rosenberg. “We are calling on the public to help us to fast track equality in education.”

ORT SA is also partnering with Computerlab, HP and other partners to launch a device programme for the underprivileged.

It will use the expertise across these organisations to repair devices, as well as installing software and sorting out licensing.

Donations can be made at www.ortsa.org.za/donations. Those who wish to donate digital devices can call Nelly at 011-728-7154 or email nelly@ortsa.org.za.

– Citizen reporter